This 2-day course introduces climbers to the art of climbing natural (unbolted) routes. Trad is the purest form of climbing. The emphasis is on problem solving and critical thinking skills – both of which are necessary to engage traditionally protected routes. Participants must have sport leading experience and be comfortable on the rock.
Intro to Trad
Intro to Trad
Prerequisites
Comfortable Hiking with a Light Pack
Comfortable Climbing 5.8 – 5.9 on Top-Rope
Lead Belay Trained
Course Outline
Types of Gear (Passive and Active)
Proper Placement on Rock Quality Evaluation
Run of the Rope
Building Anchors
Racking Gear
The Art of Falling
Mock Lead Practice
Day 1
Introduction
Demo Climb
Preparing and Racking
Gear Placements
Lunch
Practice Session
Gear Anchors and Belaying
Day 2
Belaying from Above
Risk Assessment
Rope Management
Getting Down
Practice Session
Conclusion
Required Gear
Personal Climbing Gear (Shoes, Harness, Belay Device, etc.)
Trad Rack
If you do not own a trad rack, we can supply gear during the course.
Supplied Gear
Trad Rack (Cams, Stoppers, Hexes, etc.)
Alpine Draws
Anchoring Materials
PDF Outline of the Course Content with Links to Additional Resources
Participants are responsible for transportation, food, and lodging.
Locations
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas
Rates
This advanced course is limited to a maximum of three climbers.
1 : 1 – $600 per Participant
2 : 1 – $500 per Participant
3 : 1 – $400 per Participant
